'Balance natural, human resources'

Gangtok, Apr 10: Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said strategy of the government is to evolve a balance between rich natural and human resources in the state for sustainable development.

Talking to newspeprsons, after the ''successfull'' 26-day six nations tour of the European Countries, here last night the Chief Minister said though the state is endowed with pristine natural glory, serene and calm lakes, scintillating waterfalls and a smiling populace but it could not make much strides due to lack of proper planning, management, lack of will power and weak educational system.

Mr Chamling said the state was lagging at least 100 years behind the developed countries like Switzerland and Singapore despite having more natural scenic spots and plenty of human resources.

He said the state has tremendous potential for development in the fields of tourism, horticulture, floriculture and hydro power sector.

He said Sikkim is declared as one of the 26 bio-diversity hotspots in the world and has more than 500 species of angiosperm and produce ginger, orange and a large variety of exclusive flowers and fruits. ''But we could not produce the items on a commercial scale due to lack of training, technical know-how, limited market access and substantial investment,'' he said.

The Chief Minister said he undertook the tour of Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, France, Netherland and Italy to explore the possibilities of acquiring expertise and investors in the field of tourism, horticulture, floriculture, hydro power sector, education and agri business among others to accelerate the development in the state and project the state as a major tourist destination of the world.

UNI